Documents To Carry For Your US Visa Biometrics Appointment
If you have applied for a visa, you are probably aware that a biometrics appointment or an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) is one of the most important steps in ascending to your flight. For many first-time applicants, the process can feel overwhelming. What documents should you carry? Will you miss something important? After all, missing a key document could mean rescheduling your appointment and delaying your travel plans.
The good news? This blog has a guide to everything you need to know to get through your OFC appointment without a hiccup. We will walk you through all the documents you need to carry to a VAC (Visa Application Center) in India.
Table of Contents
What Is a US Visa Biometrics Appointment?
A visa biometrics appointment is when the embassy or visa application center collects your fingerprints, photograph, and digital signature to verify your identity. It is a mandatory step. The US Visa Biometrics appointment is also known as the Offside Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment.
In India, biometrics are usually taken at Visa Application Centers (VACs) managed by VFS Global, TT Services, or other embassy-authorized agencies.
Why Is The Right Documentation Important?
Missing even a single document could result in rescheduling your appointment or, worse, delaying your visa process altogether. To make sure you are fully prepared, here is a complete checklist of documents to bring along.
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Documents To Carry
A. Appointment Confirmation Letter
This is your official proof that you have scheduled the biometrics appointment.
Double-check that your name, date, and appointment time are correct.
B. Passport
Carry your original passport.
Ensure it has a validity of at least six months before your intended travel date.
Make sure your passport is in good condition and has at least two blank pages for the visa.
C. DS-160 Confirmation Form
Carry the DS-160 Confirmation Page with a clear barcode.
D. Fee Payment Receipts
Print the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee payment receipt.
E. Photographs (Optional)
While photographs may not be mandatory for OFC appointments in India, several other countries require applicants to provide passport-sized photos as part of their visa application process.
F. Supporting Documents
Your visa type might require additional documents:
Student Visa
Offer Letter, I-20 Form.
Work Visa
Employment authorization letter, job offer, or work permit.
Visitor Visa
Financial proof, itinerary plan.
What Happens After Your Biometrics Appointment?
Once your biometrics are taken, the data is sent to the embassy or consulate processing your visa. You will receive an acknowledgment, and from there, you just have to wait for the next step, which is your visa consular interview, where your visa decision will be made.
Conclusion
A visa biometrics appointment may sound intimidating, but with the right preparation, it’s a smooth and straightforward process. Carry all the required documents, stay organized, and double-check everything beforehand. Connect with our expert counselors to understand more about the process of traveling abroad. Remember, staying prepared means already winning half the battle.
Frequently Asked Questions!
During a biometrics appointment, an officer will take your fingerprints and photograph and get your signature.
Not all visa applicants need a biometrics appointment. For instance, children under 14 and adults over 79 may be exempt, depending on the visa type and country.
Biometrics appointments are conducted at Visa Application Centers (VACs), Application Support Centers (ASCs), or at the U.S. embassy/consulate in many countries.
The biometrics process typically includes fingerprinting, a photograph, and a digital signature. No additional personal information is collected at this stage.
The biometrics appointment generally takes about 15–20 minutes. However, it’s advised to arrive early to account for check-in procedures.
No, there is no separate fee for the biometrics appointment. The cost is included in the visa application fee, which is $185 for the most common nonimmigrant visa types, including tourist, business, student, and exchange visas.
The timing can vary, but applicants typically receive their biometrics appointment notice within 5 to 8 weeks after filing their visa application. However, this timeframe can differ based on individual cases and current processing times.
For many countries, biometrics are completed before the visa interview, often at a Visa Application Center (VAC). For others, biometrics may be collected on the same day as the interview.
Once the appointment is scheduled, an appointment letter will be emailed to the registered email ID captured during the appointment scheduling process or an SMS will be sent to you.
Biometrics are conducted by appointment only. Walk-ins are typically not allowed unless specifically instructed by the Visa Application Center.
